The Real Estate Encyclopedia & Blog

Heir

by | Feb 4, 2026

In real estate law, an Heir is a person who inherits property when the owner dies without leaving a valid will. The distribution of the property is determined by state intestacy laws, which establish who is legally entitled to inherit.

Heirs may include spouses, children, or other relatives, depending on the applicable statutes. The term heir applies only when there is no will, distinguishing it from devisees, who receive property through a will.